BY BILL FAETH
If you are one of the millions who use social media, the chances are good that you have seen an embarrassing picture or video of someone.
It is very easy for anyone to be misjudged through something that’s posted online, and those adverse perceptions can have very real consequences toward your life and business. For instance, how does a negative review posted online affect your reputation? Do you have a strong enough reputation so that it won’t hurt your career or personal relationships? Let’s discuss why having a solid reputation matters and how to build it!
A strong reputation is one of the most important assets you can build personally or for your business. Being known as the company that will always do the right thing even when a mistake wasn’t yours wins clients for life. It also makes it easier to get new clients.
Why is a robust reputation important? The more people see you or your company in the news or media, the stronger their impression of you is. This can lead them to buy from you and work with you based on others’ opinions and previous experiences that were not even their own.
More and more, people are making buying decisions not based on the quality of the service or even price, but on the ideals and values of the company itself. Clients want to align themselves with other companies that share the same beliefs, and the character of the company is a weighing factor in decision-making. This is not to say that you have to be perfect. Just demonstrate when mistakes are made and handle them in a way where it can make your company look even better.
How can you build a good reputation? The best way is to create an image that is authentic. Don’t try to influence people into thinking something that isn’t true. Instead, just be yourself and speak your truth. If you are always real, the chances are that it will come across naturally to others. It is also essential to be truthful with all of your online profiles and social media content. You never know who might see it or how much impact it could have on your business.
Mistakes happen all the time, and there will always be someone who takes advantage of this. What happens if you or your business makes a mistake in the eyes of the consumer? How do we rebuild our reputation?
No matter how good your service is, you will encounter an angry review left by a client at some point. If something negative comes up about you, respond quickly and honestly. Don’t try and cover things up, but represent the facts to the best of your ability. People want to know how you handle adverse situations as much as they want to see how you will take care of them. Responding to negative reviews on Facebook or Google is a key component to keeping your reputation strong. The same goes for positive reviews. Thanking clients for leaving great reviews shows that you value feedback and you care about their transportation needs.
It is also vital to engage with people online to get a sense of who you are as a person or company. Be known for sharing helpful content that interests others, such as relevant ground transportation news, local travel news, or personal stories. This will not only help shape their opinion about you, but it can also foster new relationships through shared connections.
Building a strong reputation is not an overnight process. It takes time to create. However, it can have lasting effects on your career or business if you are willing to put in the work!
Now what? What steps should you start today to build that stellar reputation both online and offline?
• Be authentic
• Respond to negative situations quickly and honestly
• Engage with people online; it is not just about your business
• Share valuable content with your sphere of influence online
Remember, it takes time: Reputations are built and earned. Every situation gives you a new opportunity to win a client for life. The world is always watching whether we realize it or not. There will be a day when something happens online or offline, and your reputation will carry you through those situations. Be authentic, be honest, be an example to others in your community. [CD1121]
Bill Faeth is the founder of Limo University. He can be reached at bill@limogrowth.com.